easy
3–6 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; some light walking or standing on uneven beach terrain may be involved.
Step aboard Sand Dollar Boat Tours’ Tiki Boats for hands-on marine adventures around Goodland, Florida. From shelling pristine beaches to spotting dolphins, these tours offer immersive coastal escapes with an expert local touch.
Located off the southwestern coast of Florida, Goodland serves as a gateway to some of the Gulf Coast’s most vibrant and delicate marine environments. Sand Dollar Boat Tours invites adventurers to navigate this unique seascape aboard their signature Tiki Boats, delivering an intimate vantage point on the waters surrounding Port Royal, Keewaydin Island, and the Ten Thousand Islands. These tours blend the thrill of charter cruising with opportunities to engage closely with nature—be it gathering shells on remote beaches, spotting dolphins in their natural habitat, or catching spectacular sunsets that set the water aflame with color.
Sand Dollar’s offerings range from quick shelling jaunts to extended adventures that combine beachcombing with guided encounters of local wildlife. The Ten Thousand Islands Shelling tour stands out for its sheer biological diversity, where mangrove islets crowd shallow waters, sheltering creatures seldom seen from shore. The choice to charter a Blue Pelican Private Cruise grants an exclusive passage through these quiet waterways, away from larger commercial traffic, enhancing the peaceful immersion.
The region’s coastline is composed primarily of sandy flats and mangrove-lined islands, supporting abundant marine life and migratory birds. Dolphins often accompany the boats, playfully racing along the bow. Keewaydin Island, a barrier island famed for its untouched beaches, offers a rare experience of solitude and pristine shoreline. Port Royal’s waterways link to Naples’ upscale marine culture but maintain a quieter, more natural vibe within the protected estuaries.
Sand Dollar Boat Tours distinguishes itself by focusing on personalized group sizes and intimate boat designs that allow passengers to feel part of the environment rather than distant observers. The company’s local expertise ensures guests not merely see but understand the delicate balance of this coastal ecosystem. Whether chasing the last daylight rays on a sunset cruise or combing the shore for unique shells, every journey here means stepping into a living portrait of Florida’s coastal wilderness.
Florida’s sun can be intense; pack sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay hydrated during your boat tour.
Many tours include beach stops where sturdy, quick-drying footwear will keep you comfortable on sandy and rocky shorelines.
Maintain a safe distance from dolphins and shorebirds to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors and habitat.
Low tide reveals the best shelling and beach access; coordinate your trip timing for optimal conditions.
This coastline has long served as a fishing and shelling area for local indigenous tribes and later communities, contributing to Florida’s maritime heritage.
Sand Dollar Boat Tours prioritizes low-impact practices, educating visitors on preserving fragile mangrove ecosystems and minimizing disturbance to wildlife.
Protects against intense sun exposure during open water cruises.
summer specific
Shields face and neck from sun during long periods outdoors.
spring specific
Offers foot protection while walking on sandy shells and rocky shorelines.
summer specific
Useful for swift changes in weather during hurricane season.
fall specific